JtR FINAL Victim Body to be exhumed

[NeilG]

Almost certainly, Neil, and there's a good chance of obtaining some viable nuclear DNA (as opposed to the less-definitive mitochondrial equivalent). What's more, by having the body, we'll know for sure where the DNA samples came from... which is more than can be said for the shawl. That stuff on the shawl could have been deposited by just about anybody and - worse still - we can't even be sure that the shawl belonged to Eddowes at all.

Thanks for that Sam,

I have read there are severe doubts regarding the authenticity of the shawl to begin with and rightly so, the odds of contamination to the evidence particularly throw it further into question.

Fingers crossed the DNA hunt proves fruitful so we can at least shed a little more light on this fascinating subject.

[Sam Flynn]

Will this by now severely decayed body give a higher quality DNA reading?

Almost certainly, Neil, and there's a good chance of obtaining some viable nuclear DNA (as opposed to the less-definitive mitochondrial equivalent). What's more, by having the body, we'll know for sure where the DNA samples came from... which is more than can be said for the shawl. That stuff on the shawl could have been deposited by just about anybody and - worse still - we can't even be sure that the shawl belonged to Eddowes at all.

[NeilG]

I'm in no way even going to pretend to know forensics here but won't they simply stumble into the same DNA brick wall that occurred with the shawl? Mitochondrial DNA proved to be insufficient enough to guarantee a positive enough result.

Will this by now severely decayed body give a higher quality DNA reading?

[Dane_F]

The quote in a paper here was

"I will proceed with the exhumation depending on the reaction to the book".

That doesn't mean sales. He said after the book releases and everyone gets to read it more information might come out including information that would mean there would be no point in exhuming the body which would be a huge undertaking.

[Sam Flynn]

I agree, Robert. Over the years, we've seen herculean attempts by several researchers to track Kelly down, but to no avail. In light of the fruitless effort expended on traditional means of research, it seems that such approaches are unlikely to shed any further light on Kelly's identity. Having her DNA profile on record, whoever she was, seems about the only avenue left open to us.

[richardnunweek]

Yes in all seriousness, the identity of the victim at Millers court, would be a sensational discovery, and could open many doors.
I may appear to have reservations,but I do hope something positive derives from all of this.
Richard.

[Robert]

We'd know more than that, Sally, because we - or rather, WWD - would have MJK's DNA profile (always providing that her bones do still exist and can be verified by means of notches etc). This would furnish a touchstone for anyone else who thinks they might be related. Also they would hopefully provide some evidence as to her probable origins (Limerick or Wales). Maybe stuff about her appearance too.

[Sally]

I hope he can do it, myself. At least he'd know, then - and so would everybody else with an interest in the case.

[The Good Michael]

Great marketing ploy! Buy my book or no exhumation.


Mike

[Robert]

Well, that might mean that he'll do it if he can afford it, or he won't do it if hardly anyone cares, or he won't do it if someone disproves his theory...

[GUT]

The quote in a paper here was

"I will proceed with the exhumation depending on the reaction to the book".

[Robert]

I can't remember exactly what he said, but it makes sense to wait and see if anyone can find EWD in the records after 1888.

[Sally]

Did Dr Davies actually say that he would proceed with the exhumation only if the book sales were good enough? I thought he said that should anybody demonstrate subsequent to publication, that EWD could not be MJK then he wouldn't go ahead since it would be pointless. But perhaps I'm wrong about that?

[GUT]

Absolutely...a lot of expense , and effort, maybe for nothing..?
I however wished that the author, had not expressed the book sales, as to whether, or not, he will proceed with the digging , for it has fuelled many nagging doubts.
Regards Richard.

I agree Richard, to say DNA will prove it and I'll do the DNA if the book sells well, just isn't right. In my opinion.

[richardnunweek]

Absolutely...a lot of expense , and effort, maybe for nothing..?
I however wished that the author, had not expressed the book sales, as to whether, or not, he will proceed with the digging , for it has fuelled many nagging doubts.
Regards Richard.